The La Jolla Veterinary Hospital is among the honorees for the upcoming Animaltarian Awards. This event, hosted by the local charity Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE), was designed to recognize local “animaltarians,” or San Diego organizations and individuals that are invested and dedicated to the welfare of animals in the community.
Ever since its inception in 2006, FACE has raised funds year round to end economic euthanasia and preserve and enhance the quality of life of local pets. Economic euthanasia happens when pet owners cannot afford the cost of treatment needed at the time of a sudden medical condition, and the animal is put to sleep.
“When a pet needs treatment, most vet hospitals don’t start treatment unless the pet parents can pay the full cost. If the pet parent can’t come up with the money, the more humane thing to do, versus leaving the pet untreated, is to euthanize that animal. Specifically, that’s what we’re trying to prevent because so many issues are treatable,” explains FACE Executive Director Danae Davis.
After 13 years as a local charity, FACE has partnered with over 165 veterinary hospitals in San Diego to end economic euthanasia. Currently, the foundation is helping save more than one life per day.
This year marks FACE’s second year hosting the Animaltarian Awards. The event will also recognize Loving Hands Veterinary Services, and local KUSI TV personality and animal advocate Sandie Lampe, in addition to their recognition of the La Jolla Veterinary Hospital.
“It’s a wonderful accolade for our team to share with each other,” says La Jolla Vet Hospital’s director, Stephanie Coolidge. “San Diego has been voted the most pet-friendly city in the country multiple times, so it’s really extraordinary to be chosen for an award in an industry where there are many people who deserve this award.”
“Our two top core values are best veterinary medicine possible and the highest hospitality environment,” explains Coolidge. “We always believe that animal welfare is a lifestyle. Improving animal welfare as a whole and educating about ways to do that is our ethical and moral responsibility as a vet hospital.”
The La Jolla Vet Hospital has partnered with FACE for years to improve and save the lives of pets. Davis explains, “La Jolla Vet Hospital’s team is not only passionate about helping pets and pet owners in the community, but they also help bridge the gap for pet parents who struggle to afford veterinary care for their pets. They’re very dedicated to being a good resource for pet owners in need.”
FACE’s Animaltarian Awards will be held on Sept. 29 in a private La Jolla cliffside estate. For more information, or to RSVP for the awards, visit face4pets.org/event/animaltarian-awards/. To learn more about FACE, visit face4pets.org. And to learn more about the La Jolla Veterinary Hospital, visit lajollavet.com.
